The Archaeological Survey of India is one of the most respected government agencies which is a part of the Ministry of Culture. Founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, this organization is known for its immense contributions to the field of archaeological research and the conservation/preservation of ancient and historical monuments in the country. To commemorate these remarkable achievements, the Government of India had issued 4 beautiful commemorative Indian stamps depicting historical monuments and archaeological discoveries of India.

Pitalkhora Yakshi

Situated in the Satamala range of the Western Ghats, is one of the one of the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India. This stamp portrays an image of the famous Pitalkhora Yaksha, to signify the importance of this ancient site. This definitely can go down as one of the most special stamps of India.

Kalibangan seal

The ASI will always be remembered for conducting a 34-year long excavation and research of the Kalibangan site, which concluded victoriously. The research reveals that Kalibangan was a major provincial capital of the Indus Valley Civilization which is distinguished by its unique fire altars and known as “World’s earliest attested ploughed field”. This, one of the most beautiful stamps of India showcases the typical and artistic Kalibangan seal, as a mark of appreciation for this successful discovery by ASI.

Stamps on Indus Valley civilization

It all started with an accidental discovery of Harrapa, by British engineers who used bricks from the ruins to build the East Indian Railway line between Lahore and Multan in 1912. Since then, a series of excavation campaigns were run to unearth this magnificent site. In 1944, Sir Mortimer Wheeler, the then director of the ASI, led one of the most successful campaigns. The campaign ran for three decades and was full of discoveries of the remnants of civilization. 2 commemorative Indian stamps depicting toys, tools and seals of this great discovery by ASI were issued.